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Hurd Recognized for Energy Efficiency Upgrade

As part of a multi-million dollar renovation project, Hurd Window & Door installed all new energy efficient lighting fixtures that now beam clean bright white light throughout its Medford, Wis., manufacturing facility. The energy saving initiative was recognized recently by Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program, which presented Hurd with a rebate incentive check on October 20.

Andy Westphal, Hurd’s electrical technician, took on the task of dramatically decreasing electricity consumption when the company began its renovation project. To do so, Westphal and a team of associates along with Faith Technologies and Wausau-based Etco Electrical Supply replaced all existing 400 watt metal halide fixtures with highly energy efficient T8 6 lamp fluorescent fixtures. The new fixtures use only 224 watts which reduced electrical consumption by nearly 45 percent in each application.

The company also turned to occupancy sensors to control the new fixtures. Instead of traditional light switches that manually turned on and off all lighting for an entire building–which then remained on all day or maybe even all night–new occupancy sensors detect motion and provide centralize lighting as needed or shut off when employees are not in a work area. This compounds Hurd’s savings.

“It was an easy decision to make a significant investment in reducing our energy consumption," says Rob Seidel, Hurd environmenal, health and safety manager. "It is more earth-friendly, employee-friendly, and pocketbook-friendly. It all adds up to a win-win for everyone.”

Echoing Seidel, Scott Albers, vice president of administration, notes that the new lighting has also dramatically improved the working environment for Hurd associates. He said working in a bright atmosphere makes a difference in the products we make and the attitudes of our associates. Albers likened it to the feeling you have on an invigorating sunshine filled day versus days of overcast skies.

Hurd’s lighting upgrade was made easier with the support of Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program, which provided a rebate incentive per fixture replaced, company officials note. Focus on Energy’s efforts helped Hurd, as it does for many Wisconsin residents and businesses, manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas.